Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending his 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old made the announcement in a social media video on Thursday, declaring that he was ready to hand over the iconic number seven jersey to the next generation.

Ronaldo's decision comes a month after reports of a disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, following the forward's reported dissatisfaction over being left out of a Nations League fixture.

In his retirement announcement, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner reflected on his journey with the national team, describing the decision as an emotional one.

“To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number seven shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said.

“I never felt it belonged to me alone, but for 23 years I had the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me into stadiums all around the world.

“Today the time has come to pass it on to the future. It was not an easy decision, because some decisions are not made with the mind alone – they are also made with the heart.

“A journey that began in August 2003 and changed my life forever has come to an end.”

Ronaldo made his international debut for Portugal in August 2003 and went on to make 234 appearances, scoring 146 goals to become the country's all-time leading goalscorer.

His departure brings to a close one of the most remarkable international careers in football, having spent more than two decades representing Portugal on the global stage.